Tribune Opinion: Odor control stack working well; 9-year-old impresses with his ability to overcome challenge

Amy Seeger helps her son, Maddox, 9, strap on his partially paralyzed left leg on to a Green Machine, a three-wheeled toy that rides like a recumbent bike. Maddox contracted a rare autoimmune disease when he was 2 that left the leg paralyzed.

As employees of a company that sits right down the street from the meatpacking plant in northeast Greeley, we'd like to say thank you to JBS USA.

A few weeks ago, the company installed a 180-foot, chimney-like structure atop the meatpacking plant. The odor control stack, as it's called, essentially is an elongated chimney that releases emissions from the plant higher into the atmosphere. Releasing the odors higher up in the air means they will more easily be carried away and dispersed by wind and the air stream.

We have to say, we've noticed a difference. Perhaps it will change this winter, when weather patterns more frequently create a temperature inversion, but we can't remember one day since the odor control stack was installed that meatpacking plant odor has been noticeable.

JBS spent about $1.4 million on the chimney. Two years ago, the company installed an odor scrubber, which chemically treats odorous air, at a cost of several thousand dollars per month.

We appreciate the effort that JBS has put into making our city cleaner. We've noticed, and we thank you.

Thanks to volunteers for cleaning Trail

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We'd like to thank the volunteers who spent time on Wednesday cleaning the Poudre River Trail as part of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The group of 15 people was with Weld Volunteers in Service to America, or VISTAs.

VISTA is an AmeriCorps program that enlists volunteers for a year of full-time service. They are given a modest living allowance and a stipend at the end of their service. When volunteers sign up, they can be sent anywhere in the country.

There are two national days of service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Sept. 11.

We know that many members of our community marked the anniversary of the attacks on America in their own way, but we think the day of service is an excellent way to commemorate the somber day.

We're grateful for all those who work hard every day to keep us safe and make our community a better place, and we're thankful for the volunteers who gave their time to keep the Poudre River Trail clean.

9-year-old deserves plenty of applause

Maddox Seeger, 9, may not have finished first in his 5K race during the Labor Day weekend, but his accomplishment is something far more impressive.

At age 2, Maddox battled a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the spinal cord, known as transverse myelitis. The disease left one of his legs partially paralyzed, making everyday tasks more challenging than for most kids his age. With the help of his family and countless rehab exercises, Maddox is not only able to walk, but has recently taken up an interest in running — something his doctors never saw for his future.

After enjoying a short run with his father and younger brother, Maddox's interest in the activity was quite literally off and running. Maddox recently signed up for the KidsForKyla 5K. During the final lap of the race, the crowd encouraged him with a standing ovation to show their support for this courageous kid. We, too, would like to applaud Maddox for his determination and drive and are thankful for the example he has set for his community.